The Gunners manager reacted angrily to questioning about his future on Monday, as reports claimed that despite a likely eighth season without silverware he was set to agree a two-year extension.

Wenger's future remains far from clear - but Hill-Wood was quick to reiterate the club's backing of their manager.

"You have your ups and downs and we are having a bit of a down," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.

"But some of the reaction has been a bit hysterical.

"You hear clubs being criticised for sacking their manager too quickly. Now there are people out there calling for us to sack a manager who has been a huge success for 15 years.

"That does not help much. I have been extremely disappointed by some of the recent results.

"I have been an Arsenal fan for a lot longer than most so I think I know what it feels like. It hurts a lot and I am sure Arsene is hurting too.

"He is very diplomatic and calm but deep down he feels very strongly and he is as upset as anyone.

"It's not just me who is backing Arsene. (Major shareholder) Stan Kroenke is very supportive too."

Wenger himself insists he does not feel there is a growing agenda against him.

"I don't take it personally. I am not a conspiracy theorist. I am 30 years in this job and if I was paranoid, you would know it already. I just think that when I worked for 16 years in the country I expect a certain respect.

"You can criticise me and say I am doing a bad job, but manipulative things, when they are wrong, I don't accept."

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.